Life Stage: Asimov's Autobiography (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Isaac Asimov, written by Huang Qun, translated by Xu Guanqiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: The globally acclaimed science popularizer and science fiction master Isaac Asimov wrote three volumes of autobiography: Reminiscences, More Reminiscences, and this book, I. Asimov: A Life in Science. The first two volumes were published in 1979 and 1980, respectively, and narrated the author's life from birth to 1978. The book strictly follows chronological order, focusing on accurate accounts of events with minimal purely discursive text. The third volume, I. Asimov: A Life in Science, was written during Asimov's serious illness and hospitalization in early 1990, taking 125 days to complete on May 30 of the same year. Less than two years later, the author passed away. I. Asimov: A Life in Science is not a continuation of the first two volumes and differs greatly in style. It does not adhere strictly to chronological order but follows the author's train of thought, discussing one topic after another—from his family, childhood, school, headmaster, love, marriage, illness, setbacks, achievements, beloved relatives and friends, to his competitors, and even his insights on major issues such as writing, faith, morality, friendship, war, and life and death. The book is written with candor and sincerity, filled with wisdom and philosophy in simple language, allowing readers not only to understand the brilliant life of this extraordinary genius but also to gain a deeper appreciation of the true essence of the "stage of life."